Capillary pressure, relative permeability and wettability at critically-low saturated porous media (CRISP)

Darcy-scale theories of two-phase flow in porous media rely on two major constitutive equations; capillary-pressure- saturation and relative permeability-saturation equations. Both of these empirical equations are proposed for a range of mobile saturation and measured in the lab under equilibrium condition. Thus, at the residual saturation or below that (such as cases of evaporation, CO2 storage in surface, hydrogen storage at the subsurface) as well as highly dynamic condition these equations become physically not well defined.

The key question is how the two-phase flow behave at low, residual or even sub-residual saturations. The notable example is the dry-out zone during the CO2 or Hydrogen injection where the water phase evaporates and leads to very low residual saturation.

This project involves both developing computational models as well as experimental work to understanding the physics of the problem. The PhD work requires applicants with strong computational background, excellent scientific writing and teamworking.

Eligibility

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 1st honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

Knowledges of computational physics, porous media physics, programming in C++/Fortran are essential for this position.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor(s) and share your CV and transcripts for this project before you apply.

How to apply

Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-fap

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:

• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
• CV
• Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
• English Language certificate (if applicable)

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).

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